Skip to main content


Construction and professional practice
A garden design construction course: Ideal for working designers

  • Landscape construction

    “The diploma is much more than a distance learning course… Its use of online technology is an improvement on traditional classroom teaching.”


    Ben Norris

If you’re already a garden designer, this online course takes your career to the next level. It focuses on hard landscaping and construction, contracting, pricing, lead generation and marketing.

It’s perfect for working designers because all coursework is based on your current projects. You learn while working.

On graduation, you can offer an all-round garden design and landscaping service — and charge professional fees — because it fills all knowledge gaps.

  • Landscaping courses

    “I have learnt so much more than I anticipated - not just the design process but a complete professional training. I now feel confident and ambitious to be one of the best!”


    Gill German, MSGD

Online garden design construction course
Fully mentored throughout

You have daily access to the college principal, Duncan Heather. He mentors you on design projects, provides feedback and helps with every aspect of your business — from what to charge to writing specification documents.

  • Lectures are on pre-recorded video, all available from day one
  • We prepare a bespoke timetable for you
  • Work through the lectures in order, at your own pace
  • Replay and rewind as often as you like
  • Tutored support, feedback and business advice via our online classroom

The course puts you ahead of the competition because you’re better qualified than almost anyone else in the industry. You acquire the skills necessary to become a full member of:

  • The Society of Garden Designers (SGD)
  • Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD)
  • British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI)
  • The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL)

Course duration, and your time commitment

The course duration is 12 months and requires a minimum of 5 hours’ study per week.

After graduation, you have lifetime access to our online classroom when you need support and advice. You also receive any updated lectures as they come in.

Do you have any questions? We’re always happy to answer them. Call us on +44 (0)1491 628 950 or send us an email.

Construction and professional practice
What you’ll learn

During the course, you’ll learn everything you need to know about running a profitable landscape design business.

It’s divided into 3 parts. For the full curriculum, see course content. In the meantime, here’s an overview:

  • Landscape construction: You’ll become confident in every aspect of hard landscaping, including construction drawing. It includes everything from technical drawing to stone, water, concrete, walling and timber.
  • Contracts: Documentation, managing the tender process, costing complex projects, planning and building regs, supervising construction and building, health and safety.
  • Business: The firm foundation of a successful business. How to sell, what to charge, dealing with clients, how to generate leads through marketing, advertising and networking, how to launch your website.
Show Buttons
Hide Buttons